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The Best Date Spots in NoPa

The best date spots in the neighborhood

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Nailing the perfect venue is an absolutely essential component to the success of a date. But here's the thing: What makes a great first date spot is definitely not the same as what makes a place the best to celebrate a special occasion or even a second date — so deciding where to take a plus-one doesn't always get the same answer. Every situation has different needs — neighborhood, vibes, price point — and it can be tricky to find the right bar or restaurant if you've never been there. So next time you're trying to pick a fitting location, just consult this guide. We've got you covered if it's NoPa you're cornering.

In need of the best date spots in other neighborhoods? Check out this ultimate guide to dating in San Francisco.

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First date, drinks: Horsefeather

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NoPa now has its very own cocktail bar in a gorgeous, wood-paneled space with tons of seating and an atrium up front for when it's nice out (though there are heaters for cooler weather, too). The drinks all come in beautiful barware, though we recommend sticking to the classics instead of some of the more complicated menu creations.

First date, coffee: The Mill

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The Mill is a coffee shop workhorse, but there are tables to snag both inside and out on the parklet, so you can make it work for you. Get some $4 toast and a coffee, then talk about how ridiculous this toast trend is and you're set.

Second date, moderate: Ragazza

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Everyone loves the pizzas at Ragazza, which has been an Italian neighborhood standby since 2011. Splits some pies and a few bottles of wine and reach second date nirvana — just make sure you go later in the evening after the kiddies have cleared out, and arrive earlier than your date to wait for a table, since there are no reservations.

Second date, expensive: Bistro Central Parc

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To Americans, there's almost nothing more romantic than Paris, and Bistro Central Parc transports you to the dreamy city. Romance abounds in the twinkly ceiling, simple French fare, and Old World wine list meant for exploring. Do a little wine research beforehand to thoroughly impress your date.

Where to lock it down: Ijji Sushi

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Ijji has quietly become one of the best spots for sushi in the city, with friendly chefs and a lighthearted, approachable atmosphere, despite a serious focus on the fish. The attention to detail and mouthwatering bites — and $200 to $300 per couple price tag for omakase, depending how baller you go — make this a definite special occasion restaurant, so make it count for when you're ready for this next-level celebration.

LTR, moderate: Bar Crudo

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Ten years in, Bar Crudo is still the perfect seafood spot. Reserve a table downstairs, where there's more light and you have viewing access to the open kitchen. For a super casual date, happy hour is always a popular draw, too, when there are dollar oysters and more discounted food and drink.

LTR, expensive: Nopa

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Let's face it: Unless you're a super-regular, you're not getting a prime-time reservation at Nopa. So, make a night of it and submit to the wait. Head to the bar for snacks and drinks to pass the time, or scoot next door to Horsefeather. Once you're sitting down, all will feel right when you gorge on the pleasing menu and dive deep into wine director Lulu McAllister's excellent wine list.

Breakup spot: The Page

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There are a lot of nooks to tuck into at The Page, a cash-only dive on Divis. Pick one, order a whiskey on the rocks for strength, and get it over with.

First date, drinks: Horsefeather

NoPa now has its very own cocktail bar in a gorgeous, wood-paneled space with tons of seating and an atrium up front for when it's nice out (though there are heaters for cooler weather, too). The drinks all come in beautiful barware, though we recommend sticking to the classics instead of some of the more complicated menu creations.

First date, coffee: The Mill

The Mill is a coffee shop workhorse, but there are tables to snag both inside and out on the parklet, so you can make it work for you. Get some $4 toast and a coffee, then talk about how ridiculous this toast trend is and you're set.

Second date, moderate: Ragazza

Everyone loves the pizzas at Ragazza, which has been an Italian neighborhood standby since 2011. Splits some pies and a few bottles of wine and reach second date nirvana — just make sure you go later in the evening after the kiddies have cleared out, and arrive earlier than your date to wait for a table, since there are no reservations.

Second date, expensive: Bistro Central Parc

To Americans, there's almost nothing more romantic than Paris, and Bistro Central Parc transports you to the dreamy city. Romance abounds in the twinkly ceiling, simple French fare, and Old World wine list meant for exploring. Do a little wine research beforehand to thoroughly impress your date.

Where to lock it down: Ijji Sushi

Ijji has quietly become one of the best spots for sushi in the city, with friendly chefs and a lighthearted, approachable atmosphere, despite a serious focus on the fish. The attention to detail and mouthwatering bites — and $200 to $300 per couple price tag for omakase, depending how baller you go — make this a definite special occasion restaurant, so make it count for when you're ready for this next-level celebration.

LTR, moderate: Bar Crudo

Ten years in, Bar Crudo is still the perfect seafood spot. Reserve a table downstairs, where there's more light and you have viewing access to the open kitchen. For a super casual date, happy hour is always a popular draw, too, when there are dollar oysters and more discounted food and drink.

LTR, expensive: Nopa

Let's face it: Unless you're a super-regular, you're not getting a prime-time reservation at Nopa. So, make a night of it and submit to the wait. Head to the bar for snacks and drinks to pass the time, or scoot next door to Horsefeather. Once you're sitting down, all will feel right when you gorge on the pleasing menu and dive deep into wine director Lulu McAllister's excellent wine list.

Breakup spot: The Page

There are a lot of nooks to tuck into at The Page, a cash-only dive on Divis. Pick one, order a whiskey on the rocks for strength, and get it over with.

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